Stereotyping In The Media
Stereotyping
University of Tennessee
January 23, 2012
Stereotyping
Stereotyping can be defined as creating false and often harsh representations of an individual or group of individuals. By believing these types of untrue characteristics it influences society and becomes a disadvantage to the social worker by instilling unwanted internal biases. (Skovholt & Rivers, 2007, pg. 80) The media incorporates negative portrayals of stereotypes for entertainment value but this misconception does not inform the public of the accurate rendering of a specific population. According to Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman (2010) not everyone knows they’re guilty of stereotyping, by laughing at certain types of jokes or watching these comedies and finding
amusement from it, we as the viewer are guilty of “perpetuating some racial or ethnic stereotypes” (pg. 250). There are certain stereotypes that we are all guilty of buying into because of repetition from influential people and peer influence. If people are not introduced to those populations or educated about their cultures it is hard to take away that misconception.
As stated in A Different Mirror, when referencing the beginning of the slave trade in England the author wrote, “In the English mind, the color black was freighted with an array of negative images: “”deeply stained with dirt, foul, dark or deadly,”” in purpose, “”malignant, sinister, wicked.”” (Takaki, 2008, p. 50) These types of perceptions are what stunt positive growth among people and it is the job of the social worker to reinforce positive outlooks among all populations.
As a Social Worker one of the biggest stereotypes faced are the negative stereotypes about people who seek help. “Many people perceive a stigma attached to seeking help for personal problems as weak, or as mentally ill.” (Skovholt & Rivers, 2007, p. 83) If a social worker sees this type of stereotype as factual it can be difficult for the social worker to provide the type of services needed to empower the client. It can also hinder the client from seeking help due to embarrassment or shame. Being aware of any such stereotypes can prevent a social worker from causing discrimination. A social worker is in the profession of helping multitudes of people and there is never a certain race or ethnicity that one will encounter. It is vital to be current in the different types of cultures and traditions. This not only allows the social worker to be more proactive but also shows the client that the social worker respects their heritage and beliefs.
References
Skovholt, T. M., & Rivers, D. A. (2007). Helping skills and strategies. Denver, CO: Love Publishing Company.
Takaki, R. (2008). A different mirror, a history of multicultural America. New York, NY: Back Bay Books.
Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2010). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
University of Tennessee
January 23, 2012
Stereotyping
Stereotyping can be defined as creating false and often harsh representations of an individual or group of individuals. By believing these types of untrue characteristics it influences society and becomes a disadvantage to the social worker by instilling unwanted internal biases. (Skovholt & Rivers, 2007, pg. 80) The media incorporates negative portrayals of stereotypes for entertainment value but this misconception does not inform the public of the accurate rendering of a specific population. According to Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman (2010) not everyone knows they’re guilty of stereotyping, by laughing at certain types of jokes or watching these comedies and finding
amusement from it, we as the viewer are guilty of “perpetuating some racial or ethnic stereotypes” (pg. 250). There are certain stereotypes that we are all guilty of buying into because of repetition from influential people and peer influence. If people are not introduced to those populations or educated about their cultures it is hard to take away that misconception.
As stated in A Different Mirror, when referencing the beginning of the slave trade in England the author wrote, “In the English mind, the color black was freighted with an array of negative images: “”deeply stained with dirt, foul, dark or deadly,”” in purpose, “”malignant, sinister, wicked.”” (Takaki, 2008, p. 50) These types of perceptions are what stunt positive growth among people and it is the job of the social worker to reinforce positive outlooks among all populations.
As a Social Worker one of the biggest stereotypes faced are the negative stereotypes about people who seek help. “Many people perceive a stigma attached to seeking help for personal problems as weak, or as mentally ill.” (Skovholt & Rivers, 2007, p. 83) If a social worker sees this type of stereotype as factual it can be difficult for the social worker to provide the type of services needed to empower the client. It can also hinder the client from seeking help due to embarrassment or shame. Being aware of any such stereotypes can prevent a social worker from causing discrimination. A social worker is in the profession of helping multitudes of people and there is never a certain race or ethnicity that one will encounter. It is vital to be current in the different types of cultures and traditions. This not only allows the social worker to be more proactive but also shows the client that the social worker respects their heritage and beliefs.
References
Skovholt, T. M., & Rivers, D. A. (2007). Helping skills and strategies. Denver, CO: Love Publishing Company.
Takaki, R. (2008). A different mirror, a history of multicultural America. New York, NY: Back Bay Books.
Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2010). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.